Portarlington’s laneway mural now complete

THE symbolic weedy sea dragon has now found a permanent home on Portarlington’s laneway as the town looks to establish a public art collection.

Initiated by members of the Portarlington Community Association (PCA) and Portarlington Business Development Association (PBDA), it is hoped the mural will attract more visitors to the shopping precinct on Newcombe Street.

The project was funded through the City of Greater Geelong’s public art department with an additional grant from Corangamite MP Libby Coker.

The colourful piece located between the Hive building and Bendigo Bank has drawn inspiration from “Wendell” the weedy sea dragon which features on the Port Phillip ferry service.

Local artist Sai Neoh known for his graphic and colourful aerosol work completed the design, capturing the colourful patterns of the creatures as they appear to be facing towards the bay.

Mr Neoh began work on the mural last month with the finishing piece now visible from Portarlington’s main street.

The push for public art was initially inspired by Bellarine Bayside Committee Management which completed a makeover at the W.G Little Reserve in the coastal town, attracting visitors with the artwork depicting the chainsaw art of Rob Bast to the ‘mussel poles’ designed by Glen Romanis and Mark Trinham.

The completed mural follows the survey conducted by the PCA last year where community members said a public art collection would “smarten up the town”.

“They add colour to building walls and areas that would otherwise go unnoticed, attracting locals and tourists, creating conversation and enhancing opportunities for local businesses,” PCA vice president Diane Kolomeitz said.

The weedy sea dragon artwork marks the first official public art piece in the coastal town, with PCA president Geoff Fary now preparing to expand the collection.

“I hope Sai’s work will be one of a number that will become icons of our community and a drawcard for visitors,” he said.